“Everyone, from students to instructors, is extremely supportive. The environment of this program truly feels like a community of writers who are here to lift each other and share their love of writing. I’ve had many excellent opportunities at this program ranging from workshopping with writers of all genres and talking to professional working writers and editors,” Sydney says.

David Weng reports on his initial experiences at the University of Chicago. He has been “enthralled with the program,” including the “stunning architecture, welcoming environment, and thought-provoking coursework.”

During her first week, Yahri reports that she loves being there and would like to enroll at the School of the Art Institute in the future. She has also been having fun meeting and learning about the diverse personal backgrounds of other student artists.

Yoonseo Jung (left) reports on her first week studying “Pathways in Economics” at the University of Chicago. Her first economics course, Yoonseo says she is enjoying “listening to lectures from real-time UChicago professors and other wonderful guest speakers.”

Abdul Hadi reports on his first week at the University of Chicago where he is studying “Biology and Its Modern Applications.” He has been enjoying his lab work, attending social events, and making new friends.

Eleven outstanding high school students from Carterville High School, Carbondale Community High School, Herrin High School, and the Illinois Math and Science Academy have earned merit-based scholarships from the Garwin Family Foundation (GFF) to attend highly selective enrichment programs in STEM and the Fine Arts this summer.

Jason Qin reports on his experiences at the MIT BeaverWorks Summer Institute, where he is studying Quantum Software.

Elaina Xiao reports on her experiences while attending Designing for Assistive Technology at the MIT BeaverWorks Summer Institute. Elaina says, “This is the most hands-on and interactive learning experience I have ever had remotely.”

Yoonseo Jung reports on her course, Fundamentals of Augmented Reality, held online via Zoom sessions, at Stanford University. In her first week, Yoonseo met with her classmates which she describes as being “some of the brightest, most hard-working students I’ve ever met.”

Katherine Herzog reports on her experiences at the Michigan Math and Science Scholars program where she is studying Catalysis, Solar Energy and Green Chemical Synthesis.

Sydney Davis reports on her experiences at the Iowa Young Writers’ Institute, where she is enrolled in Creative Writing this summer.

David Weng reports on his experiences at AwesomeMath, studying Algebra 1.5, and Elements of Geometry.

Lauren Fakhoury is studying Latin at the Graduate Center, City University of New York, this summer. Located in the heart of Manhattan, Lauren is immersed in the “New York Experience.”

Michelle Wang is studying Astrophysics in the Summer Science Program at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Her first research project involves collaborating with her team to determine the path of a near-earth asteroid.

Samuel Wang reports on his experiences while studying Cancer Research and Biology at the St. Louis Students and Teachers as Research Scientists (STARS) program at UMSL. During his first week, he has been exploring the campus, meeting instructors, colleagues, and forming friendships.

Robert Wigfall is studying Biotechnology at the University of Chicago this summer. As a high school freshman attending a college level course, Robert describes his first three weeks at the University of Chicago as “life altering.”

Jason Qin has been busy with Linear Algebra with Applications classes at Yale University, while juggling his time between finals at IMSA and the American Regions Math League at Iowa. He is excited to report on his first and second weeks at Yale.